Asteraceae · Confirmed identification
Kasturi Kamal · Snowball Plant
Saussurea gossypiphora
About this flower
A small plant so covered in cotton-like hair that it looks like a ball of wool wedged in the rocks. The 'wool' keeps it warm through freezing nights at the very edge of where plants can grow. In August it parts to show small purple flowers. Found near Hemkund and the high Valley.
From the field guide — published botanical records.
- Elevation
- ~ 3,600–4,800 m
- Bloom window
- July – August
- Habitat
- Stony glacial ground near the snowline
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Where I’ve Seen It
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